March 29, 2008

Barack and the penny

Something we've found when we've done Capitol Journal Q&A's, where readers ask the questions, is that some of the issues on the voting public's minds aren't on anyone else's radar. Take, for example, the issue of the penny.

Some folks have been trying to get rid of the penny, our one-cent denomination, however there just never seems to be enough support to do so.

Well, elect Barack Obama and that might all change.

Politico.com reports that Obama, at a forum in Pennsylvania, was asked his thoughts on the penny. Obama replied that he'd like to do away with it, "as long as we find another place for Lincoln to land."

Of course, those of you who like to be particular about these things will no doubt note (get it, note?) that Lincoln already fronts the $5 bill. He's also one of three presidents on a coin and a bill - George Washington on the $1 bill and quarter, and Thomas Jefferson on the $2 bill and nickel. Though, to be exceptionally particular, Andrew Jackson (on the $20) and Ulysses S. Grant (on the $50) will be featured on dollar coins during the presidential rollout, so that list will soon expand to 5.

Long story short, this is an example of what happens when you get honest-to-goodness questions from the audience (rather than the fake town hall questions you see so often). People, when given the chance, tend to ask the things important to them.

Comments

Barack and the penny

Something we've found when we've done Capitol Journal Q&A's, where readers ask the questions, is that some of the issues on the voting public's minds aren't on anyone else's radar. Take, for example, the issue of the penny.